PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has selected Maj. Charles Britt to serve as interim sheriff, subject to his appointment on Jan. 6, the county said in a news release today.

Britt, of Vancleave, was one of four finalists selected to interview individually with each supervisor on Thursday. The other three finalists were Louis Miller, Jack R. Walker Jr. and Michael Whitmore Sr.

He replaces former Sheriff Mike Byrd, who pleaded guilty to a federal charge and state charge earlier this month and resigned from the post.

"The decision to appoint Britt was made after all of the interviews were completed," board President Mike Mangum said. "Although the others were strong qualified candidates, Britt rated highest overall."

Supervisor Troy Ross said "not only was it evident that he had a broad awareness of every aspect of law enforcement, he was willing to come into the position with fairness and make appropriate changes."

Ross also said that Britt was highly praised for his integrity by his own peers.

Currently, Britt is the administrative commander for the Biloxi Police Department. He has worked for the department for 25 years, also serving as chief of the Criminal Investigations Division, police operations officer and patrol division commander.

He has also been a sheriff's reserve deputy in Jackson County.

From 1982 to 1989, Britt served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, where he earned several medals of achievement.

His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Mountain State University in West Virginia, which he received in 2005.

Britt is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., where he studied criminal justice and executive development and graduated in 2001, his resume says.

"I am grateful to the Supervisors for giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Jackson County as interim sheriff," Britt said after learning the decision.

"I look forward to working with the members of the Sheriff's Department over the next several months to implement changes that may be necessary and return stability to the office," he said. "(Supervisors) had several viable candidates to select from, and I am honored to have earned their confidence in my abilities."

Once appointed, Britt will serve as interim sheriff until a special election is held in November 2014.

Britt said earlier this week that he hasn't determined if he will run for sheriff next year.